Race numbers will be assigned prior to the race. Race numbers will be issued on race-morning, not at packet pickup. You must wear your race number and it must be clearly visible at all times. The Superior “Fall” Trail Races host three races simultaneously, the Superior 100 Mile, the Superior 50 and the Superior / Moose Mountain Marathon. Each distance will have its own unique race number (unique color and number series) so runners can be easily identified by race officials, volunteers, spectators and other runners. We ask that all competitors wear their number on the front of their body on their outer-most layer at all times. Runners will be tracked coming into and out of each aid station. If we cannot see your number, we cannot track you or take your finishing time and if we cannot do that, you will be disqualified and will not earn an official finish. Your emergency contact information will be printed (in small print) on the front of your race number. If you have any medical conditions, allergies etc. you may write this information on the back of your race number so emergency personell will have access to information pertinent to your care should something happen.

100 Mile | Color: Red | Number Series 1 – 250

50 Mile | Color: Blue | Number Series 300 – 475

Marathon | Color: Green | Number Series 600-900

Chip Timing / Back of Bib

The Superior ‘Fall’ Trail Race 100, 50 and 26.2MI will be chip timed. Your timing chip will be affixed to the back of your race number. Do not remove your timing chip. Do not bend or fold your timing chip or crumple your race number – this may break your timing chip. Your race number and your timing chip must be pinned on your outer-most layer at all times. Above guidelines must be followed in order ensure that split times and finish times are recorded. This chip is disposable and does not need to be returned. Below is a rendering of the back of your race number / bib illustrating where your timing chip will be placed.

After careful consideration it has been decided that the Superior “Spring” Trail Race 50KM & 25KM and Superior “Fall” Trail Race 100MI, 50MI & 26.2MI events will be migrating from a conventional “first come first serve” registration process to a “lottery” style registration process. In this letter I will outline the circumstances leading to this decision and as the race director tell you why I believe this is the best option for the event and our runners going forward.

Back in the Spring of 2014 we were blown away when we saw the Superior “Spring” Trail Race 50KM & 25KM reach its field limit in about 7 days, the previous year it had taken 7 weeks and before that it had never reached capacity. Later that year we saw the “Fall” races Marathon and 50 miler sell out in record time and witnessed the 100 mile race very quickly approach capacity even after increasing the number of spots allocated – a far cry from the situation in 1991 when the race was first held with less than 40 entrants. In the Spring of 2015 we knew that the “Spring” 50KM and 25KM had the potential to sell out even quicker than the previous year, possibly filling in half the time (3 or 4 days). While we had known for some time we had an event that people loved – just a few years prior the possibility of selling out this quickly was simply unimaginable. In the weeks leading up to registration opening we thoroughly tested our registration system with the knowledge that we would process a high number of registrations in a short period of time. Within minutes of opening registration our web-server crashed – the cause, over 200 people beginning the registration process nearly instantaneously with more new users coming on by the second. As registrations started to stall out or fail all together, users were madly hitting the “refresh button”, re-initiating the registration process and checking the registered runners list (making yet more demands on our already stressed web-server). Our registration system which performed well for us for many years gave way under the load. Eventually after a few delays we were able to get registration back up and finish out registration until the field limit was met.

While we are always thrilled to see the passion and excitement that people have for our races we were devastated to see that so many people had a negative and stressful experience while trying to register for our event – it had been reduced to a fast-finger contest for those who were able to be at the computer and ready to go the second registration opened that day. Ultimately the field limit for 2015 “Spring Race” was met in a total of 7 hours which would have been more like 4 hours or less if we would not have had the issues described. This experience was not unique among ultras in 2014 and 2015 and many events nation wide have had to make changes to their registration process as a result.

As race director, acting in concert with our race committee, I decided that something had to change for us as well and the result is a “lottery” for the “Spring” 50KM & 25KM and the “Fall” 100MI, 50MI and 26.2MI. While we have personally been around long enough to remember actual race-day registration; walking up to the table, slapping down your money and pinning on a race number at some of the biggest and best events around – we are realists and know we have to change with the times to ensure fairness for all who would like to run one of our races. While it has been proven that demand is high for both the Spring and Fall versions of the Superior Trail Race there is evidence suggesting that a good majority of people who enter the lottery will get in and we would hate to see the implementation of a lottery viewed as a negative or a deterrent for people wishing to run one of our races – we encourage anyone with aspirations of running one of the races to enter the lottery. Ultimately we feel that this change will be a net positive, will reduce the stress of signing up and will afford the greatest and most diverse range of people possible the opportunity to participate in one of our races from year to year.

In its implementation we have borrowed many of the best and most well established practices from races around the country in order to craft lottery protocol to meet the specifics of our event – complete details regarding the lottery process have been published on our website. As a further convenience to our runners we will be using the well reputed and well established UltraSignup to host the lottery and registration process for us. With all of that said, at the end of the day we are only human and realize that in time there may be a need for further changes or improvements in this process and will work to identify those needs as they arise and will do what is necessary to implement changes or fixes in order to fine tune the process.

We thank you for your continuing support of the Superior Trail Race(s) – these very special events held on the Superior Hiking Trail on the shore of Lake Superior, the greatest fresh-water lake in the world.

THANK YOUFirst off, a huge thank you is in order to all runners, crews, families, pacers, volunteers and sponsors for making this years Superior “Fall” Trail Races 100MI, 50MI and 26.2MI so special. This is truly a incredible weekend and we were all a part of that – we are already excited for next year! We ask that you join us, one way or another, as a runner, a volunteer or spectator in 2015!

STATS
The expressed goal in implementing a qualifying standard for the first time in the history of the Superior races was to increase the finishers rate and in turn improve the overall experience of the runners – as we all know, Superior is tough and is not a beginners race. Between the qualifying standard and great weather we observed what we believe is the higest ever finishers rate in the 24 year history of the race!

100MI
Starters 204
Finishers 141
DNFs 63
Finishers Rate 69%

50MI
Starters 138
Finishers 107
DNFs 31
Finishers Rate 77%

Marathon
Starters 221
Finishers 216
DNFs 5
Finishers Rate 97%

PHOTOS
Photos taken by our awesome volunteer photographers are available HEREhttp://fall.superiortrailrace.com/photos/ – if you have a gallery to share please send us the link (or share in the comments below), if you do share a gallery with us be sure the permissions are set to “Public” so everyone can see them.

RACE REPORTS
We have several race reports from runners, volunteers, crew and pacers up already and they are available HERE http://fall.superiortrailrace.com/race-reports/if you have one you would like to share please drop us a line (or share in the comments below).

TESTIMONIALS
So many of you have had so many nice things to say about this years race, we thought we would share those comments HEREhttp://fall.superiortrailrace.com/testimonials/ – this is an awesome way for us to share your comments with our volunteers as it is direct feedback in response to their efforts!

We are under one week away from one of the toughest and most scenic Marathons in the country! We are very excited to be hosting another extraordinary field of runners at this years Superior “Fall” Trail Race – represented are runners from 36 states and 5 countries! We have recruited around 180 volunteers to make this a truly world-class event and help you in achieving your goal of completing one of the most challenging and beautiful trail races anywhere in the world!

Please take the time to read through this email and all of the information on the website in its entirety and print any information, maps, directions etc. that you or your crew may need as cell and Internet service is intermittent on the North Shore and you will most likely not be able to access the website on your phone, tablet etc unless you are at a location with WiFi. We will NOT have these printouts for you at the race.

This is your race and your responsibility to know this stuff – if after reading this email and reviewing everything on the website should you still have questions please contact us.

Shuttle to Start:
The shuttle from Caribou Highlands to the race start at Cramer Road will depart at 6:45AM sharp – plan to be on the bus by 6:30, if you miss the bus you will have to find your own ride to the start! Don’t be late!

Check-In & Re-Check-In:
Even if you have checked in the night before the race at packet-pickup you must “recheck-in” on race morning – to make it easy, we will take down your bib# number as you exit the shuttle bus at the race start – if you are not taking the bus you must check-in or re-check-in at the tables in the morning.

Drop Bags:
Reminder, we do not accept drop bags on race morning, drop bags must be left during packet pickup on Friday night at Caribou Highlands – if you plan on going directly to the race start in the morning and skipping Friday Packet Pickup but would like to have a drop bag, you will need to find a fellow racer, friend or crew person to deliver it to Caribou Highlands for you / to Packet Pickup on Friday Night. All drop bags must be marked with distance, drop bag location, runners name & runners bib number – drop bags without this information will not be delivered. Drop bags will be delivered to the finish line on Saturday at 8:00PM.

Changes in Crew / Spectator Access:
New in 2014 there will be no crew or spectator access for Marathon runners allowed at the Temperance River Aid Station on Temperance River Road – crews or spectators for Marathon runners found at these aid stations will see their runners disqualified.

Highway 61 Road Work and Detour:
All runners, crews and spectators traveling to the race should be aware that there is a detour on Highway 61 both Northbound and Southbound – Highway 61 is closed between MN State Highway 1 and Cook County Road 6 – this detour routes you up Highway 1 through Finland and back down County 6 to Highway 61. This detour had originally been scheduled to end the week prior to the race but per our recent conversations with MNDOT have learned that the detour will be in efect until Saturday (race day) and may start coming down during the middle of the day sometime. This detour will add time to your drive, be prepared.

Bees, Hornets and or Wasps!
The bees / ground hornets and / or wasps are always bad this time of year on the Superior Hiking Trail, if you are allergic you need to be carrying your medication, ointment, EPI-Pen or whatever it is that has been prescribed to you, there are sections of trail that are 10 miles without aid (so you could be 5 miles / well over 1 hour from help) and if you get stung and have a reaction you need to be able to self medicate. * Do not consider starting this race if you have known allergies to bees, hornets or wasps if you do not have, are unable or unwilling to carry your potentially life-saving medicine.

Share this with Your Crews and Spectators:
It is unlikely that anything a runner does will ever put the race in jeopardy, more likely is a runners crew or spectators doing something that could negatively impact the race. Be sure that your crew has adequate maps and information to navigate the roads and understands the rules of crewing and the fundamentals of the race. Your crew should be traveling the speed limit on highway 61 and needs to drive very slowly / cautiously on the back roads since the Superior Hiking Trail / race course crosses these back roads many times. Crews should not stop in the middle of the road or park in the road in front of an aid station to unload, they must park where they are prompted (only on one side of the road if the option for parking is in fact on the road and not a parking lot) and walk with supplies etc. to the aid station. Crews or spectators choosing not to follow the rules will see their runners disqualified without hesitation. Again, we will not have print materials such as driving directions for you or your crews at the race, you will need to print these items for your crews or have them print them on their own – it is your job to educate and mange your crews and spectators prior to the race.

Cool Stuff For Sale:
As in years past we will have some cool shirts, hats, buffs, posters and stickers for sale at the pre-race meeting. Cash or check only.

SHTA – Superior Hiking Trail Association:
The Superior Hiking Trail is one of the premier long distance hiking trails in the country, without it, there would be no race. The Superior Hiking Trail Association builds, maintains, and manages the trail with the help of hundreds of volunteers. Please help by joining, donating or volunteering. If you use this trail in training or as a part of this race you should become a member for at least one year – its the right thing to do. You can become a member of the Superior Hiking Trail Association HERE http://www.shta.org/

Enjoy your taper, travel safe and we will see you at Packet Pickup and on race day.

We are under one week away from one of the toughest and most scenic 50 mile trail races in the country! We are very excited to be hosting another extraordinary field of runners at this years Superior “Fall” Trail Race – represented are runners from 36 states and 5 countries! We have recruited around 180 volunteers to make this a truly world-class event and help you in achieving your goal of completing one of the most challenging and beautiful trail races anywhere in the world!

Please take the time to read through this email and all of the information on the website in its entirety and print any information, maps, directions etc. that you or your crew may need as cell and Internet service is intermittent on the North Shore and you will most likely not be able to access the website on your phone, tablet etc unless you are at a location with WiFi. We will NOT have these printouts for you at the race.

This is your race and your responsibility to know this stuff – if after reading this email and reviewing everything on the website should you still have questions please contact us.

2014 New 50 Mile Race Start Time:
The 50 Mile Race start time is 1/2 hour earlier than in years past – this year we will begin the race at 5:30AM.

2014 New Shuttle Bus Time:
As a result of an earlier start time, the shuttle bus from Caribou Highlands / Lutsen (race finish) on race morning to the race start (Finland) will be leaving a little earlier than years past – all runners need to be on the bus by 3:45AM, ready for a 4:00 AM (Sharp) departure for the 5:30 AM start (it is about a 45 minute drive from Caribou Highlands to the race start at the Finland Rec Center). Like last year morning check-in will be held inside the Finland Rec Center and there will be plenty of space to stretch out, bathrooms, access to water etc.2014 New Cutoffs:
Cutoffs for Sugarloaf Road and Cramer Road have each been extended, 15 minutes at Sugarloaf Road and 10 minutes at Cramer Road – all other cutoffs are the same as years past – cutoffs can be found on the “Race-Info”page.

Bees, Hornets and or Wasps!
The bees / ground hornets and / or wasps are always bad this time of year on the Superior Hiking Trail, if you are allergic you need to be carrying your medication, ointment, EPI-Pen or whatever it is that has been prescribed to you, there are sections of trail that are 10 miles without aid (so you could be 5 miles / well over 1 hour from help) and if you get stung and have a reaction you need to be able to self medicate. * Do not consider starting this race if you have known allergies to bees, hornets or wasps if you do not have, are unable or unwilling to carry your potentially life-saving medicine.

Changes in Crew / Spectator Access:
New in 2014 there will be no crew or spectator access for 50 mile runners allowed at the Temperance River Aid Station on Temperance River Road – crews or spectators for 50 mile runners found at these aid stations will see their runners disqualified.

Highway 61 Road Work and Detour:
All runners, crews and spectators traveling to the race should be aware that there is a detour on Highway 61 both Northbound and Southbound – Highway 61 is closed between MN State Highway 1 and Cook County Road 6 – this detour routes you up Highway 1 through Finland and back down County 6 to Highway 61. This detour had originally been scheduled to end the week prior to the race but per our recent conversations with MNDOT have learned that the detour will be in effect until Saturday (race day) and may start coming down during the middle of the day sometime. This detour will add time to your drive, be prepared.

Share this with Your Crews and Spectators:
It is unlikely that anything a runner does will ever put the race in jeopardy, more likely is a runners crew or spectators doing something that could negatively impact the race. Be sure that your crew has adequate maps and information to navigate the roads and understands the rules of crewing and the fundamentals of the race. Your crew should be traveling the speed limit on highway 61 and needs to drive very slowly / cautiously on the back roads since the Superior Hiking Trail / race course crosses these back roads many times. Crews should not stop in the middle of the road or park in the road in front of an aid station to unload, they must park where they are prompted (only on one side of the road if the option for parking is in fact on the road and not a parking lot) and walk with supplies etc. to the aid station. Crews or spectators choosing not to follow the rules will see their runners disqualified without hesitation. Again, we will not have print materials such as driving directions for you or your crews at the race, you will need to print these items for your crews or have them print them on their own – it is your job to educate and mange your crews and spectators prior to the race.

Check-In & Re-Check-In:
Even if you have checked in the night before the race at packet-pickup you must “recheck-in” on race morning – to make it easy, we will take down your bib# number as you exit the shuttle bus at the race start – if you are not taking the bus you must check-in or re-check-in at the tables in the morning.

Know Your Bib # at Packet Pickup:
Please know your Bib Number when you come to packet pickup on Friday and check back in on Saturday / race morning – your bib number can be found http://fall.superiortrailrace.com/2014-number-assignments/Drop Bags:
Reminder, we do not accept drop bags on race morning, drop bags must be left during packet pickup on Friday night at Caribou Highlands – if you plan on going directly to the race start in the morning and skipping Friday Packet Pickup but would like to have a drop bag, you will need to find a fellow racer, friend or crew person to deliver it to Caribou Highlands for you / to Packet Pickup on Friday Night. All drop bags must be marked with runners name, runners distance, runners bib number and drop bag location – drop bags without this information will not be delivered. Drop bags will be delivered to the finish line on Saturday at 8:00PM.

Cool Stuff For Sale:
As in years past we will have some cool shirts, hats, buffs, posters and stickers for sale at the pre-race meeting. Cash or check only.

SHTA – Superior Hiking Trail Association:
The Superior Hiking Trail is one of the premier long distance hiking trails in the country, without it, there would be no race. The Superior Hiking Trail Association builds, maintains, and manages the trail with the help of hundreds of volunteers. Please help by joining, donating or volunteering. If you use this trail in training or as a part of this race you should become a member for at least one year – its the right thing to do. You can become a member of the Superior Hiking Trail Association HERE http://www.shta.org/

Enjoy your taper, travel safe and we will see you at Packet Pickup and on race day.

We are under one week away from one of the toughest, most scenic and oldest 100 mile trail races in the country! We are very excited to be hosting another extraordinary field of runners at this years Superior “Fall” Trail Race – represented are runners from 36 states and 5 countries! We have recruited around 180 volunteers to make this a truly world-class event and help you in achieving your goal of completing one of the most challenging and beautiful trail races anywhere in the world!

Please take the time to read through this email and all of the information on the website in its entirety and print any information, maps, directions etc. that you or your crew may need as cell and Internet service is intermittent on the North Shore and you will most likely not be able to access the website on your phone, tablet etc unless you are at a location with WiFi. We will NOT have these printouts for you at the race.

This is your race and your responsibility to know this stuff – if after reading this email and reviewing everything on the website should you still have questions please contact us.

*** IMPORTANT CHANGE TO SHUTTLE BUS TIME – Now departing Caribou Highlands at 5:40AM on Friday
Due to a detour of Highway 61 and additional trip time, we are changing the departure time of the 100 mile shuttle bus on Friday morning from Caribou Highlands (race finish) to Gooseberry Falls State Park (race start) – the bus will now depart at 5:40AM – be on the bus by 5:30AM – if you miss the bus you will have to find your own way to the start.All runners, crews and spectators traveling to the race should be aware that there is a detour on Highway 61 both Northbound and Southbound – Highway 61 is closed between MN State Highway 1 and Cook County Road 6 – this detour routes you up Highway 1 through Finland and back down County 6 to Highway 61. This detour had originally been scheduled to end the week prior to the race but per our recent conversations with MNDOT have learned that the detour will be in effect until Saturday and may start coming down during the middle of the day sometime. This detour will add time to trip times, be prepared.Know Your Bib # at Packet Pickup:
Please know your Bib Number when you come to packet pickup on Thursday and check back in on Friday / race morning – your bib number can be found HERE http://fall.superiortrailrace.com/2014-number-assignments/
Check-In & Re-Check-In:
Even if you have checked in the night before the race at packet-pickup you must “re-check-in” on race morning so we know who is starting the race.

Drop Bags:
Reminder, we do not accept drop bags on race morning, drop bags must be left during packet pickup on Thursday night. All drop bags must be marked with the runners distance, drop bag location, runners name & runners bib number – drop bags without this information will not be delivered. Drop bags will be delivered to the finish line on Saturday at 8:00PM.

Bees, Hornets and or Wasps!
The bees / ground hornets and / or wasps are always bad this time of year on the Superior Hiking Trail, if you are allergic you need to be carrying your medication, ointment, EPI-Pen or whatever it is that has been prescribed to you, there are sections of trail that are 10 miles without aid (so you could be 5 miles / well over 1 hour from help) and if you get stung and have a reaction you need to be able to self medicate. * Do not consider starting this race if you have known allergies to bees, hornets or wasps if you do not have, are unable or unwilling to carry your potentially life-saving medicine.

Share this with Your Crews and Spectators:
It is unlikely that anything a runner does will ever put the race in jeopardy, more likely is a runners crew or spectators doing something that could negatively impact the race. Be sure that your crew has adequate maps and information to navigate the roads and understands the rules of crewing and the fundamentals of the race. Your crew should be traveling the speed limit on highway 61 and needs to drive very slowly / cautiously on the back roads since the Superior Hiking Trail / race course crosses these back roads many times. Crews should not stop in the middle of the road or park in the road in front of an aid station to unload, they must park where they are prompted (only on one side of the road if the option for parking is in fact on the road and not a parking lot) and walk with supplies etc. to the aid station. Crews or spectators choosing not to follow the rules will see their runners disqualified without hesitation. Again, we will not have print materials such as driving directions for you or your crews at the race, you will need to print these items for your crews or have them print them on their own – it is your job to educate and mange your crews and spectators prior to the race.

Cool Stuff For Sale:
As in years past we will have some cool shirts, hats, buffs, posters and stickers for sale at the pre-race meeting. Cash or check only.Sponsors:
Along with our volunteers, sponsors are the lifeblood of our event – we work with great companies and great individuals from those companies who are passionate about our event, please check them out and if possible show them your patronage. http://fall.superiortrailrace.com/sponsors/meet-our-sponsors-2/SHTA – Superior Hiking Trail Association:
The Superior Hiking Trail is one of the premier long distance hiking trails in the country, without it, there would be no race. The Superior Hiking Trail Association builds, maintains, and manages the trail with the help of hundreds of volunteers. Please help by joining, donating or volunteering. If you use this trail in training or as a part of this race you should become a member for at least one year – its the right thing to do. You can become a member of the Superior Hiking Trail Association HERE http://www.shta.org/Enjoy your taper, travel safe and we will see you at Packet Pickup and on race day.Sincerely,

Race numbers will be assigned by the Monday prior to the race. Race numbers will be issued on race-morning, not packet pickup. You must wear your race number and it must be clearly visible at all times. If you are registered by August 15th you will have your first and last name custom printed on your race number, if you register after this date, you will not. More info about race numbers can be found HERE. The Superior “Fall” Trail Races host three races simultaneously, the Superior 100 Mile, the Superior 50 and the Superior / Moose Mountain Marathon. Each distance will have its own unique race number (unique color and number series) so runners can be easily identified by race officials, volunteers, spectators and other runners. We ask that all competitors wear their number on the front of their body on their outer-most layer at all times. Runners will be tracked coming into and out of each aid station. If we cannot see your number, we cannot track you or take your finishing time and if we cannot do that, you will be disqualified and will not earn an official finish. Racers registered by August 15th will receive their name custom printed on the race number as illustrated below – if you register after this date, your name will not be on your number. Your emergency contact information will be printed (in small print) on the front of your race number. If you have any medical conditions, allergies etc. you may write this information on the back of your race number so emergency personell will have access to information pertinent to your care should something happen.

100 Mile | Color: Red | Number Series 1 – 299

50 Mile | Color: Blue | Number Series 300 – 559

Marathon | Color: Green | Number Series 600+

Chip Timing / Back of Bib

The Superior ‘Fall’ Trail Race 100, 50 and 26.2MI will be chip timed. Your timing chip will be affixed to the back of your race number. Do not remove your timing chip. Do not bend or fold your timing chip or crumple your race number – this may break your timing chip. Your race number and your timing chip must be pinned on your outer-most layer at all times. Above guidelines must be followed in order ensure that split times and finish times are recorded. This chip is disposable and does not need to be returned. Below is a rendering of the back of your race number / bib illustrating where your timing chip will be placed.

All registered runners and volunteers will receive the 2014 Superior ‘Fall’ Trail Race T-Shirt printed with waterbased inks on an awesome Rocksteady Running Tri-Blend T! We will have a limited number of these shirts for sale at the pre-race meeting / packet pickup as well.